Tension in Osun as chiefs, traditionalists boycott rites for factional king appointed by Adeleke

A crisis is brewing in the Iree community in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State after the emergence of two kings to reign in one palace.

The Nation recalled that during the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola, he appointed Oba Ademola Ponle, while Governor Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he was sworn in, suspended him and constituted a committee to review the appointment. After one year, Governor Ademola Adeleke issued a White Paper, and ordered a fresh selection process which produced Prince Muritala Oyelakin from the Oyekun ruling house as the new Aare of Iree.

It was gathered that the rites for Oba-elect commenced yesterday as he visited some places in the town and was led by some leaders of the community. In a video obtained by The Nation, the Oba-elect visited the Odofin’s house(seclusion) and later left for other rites.

It was alleged that during the rite, the leaders of the community broke into the seclusion house which had been locked after the emergence of Oba Ponle.

There were several gunshots in the community which raised apprehension during the traditional rites for Oba Oyelakin.

Reacting to the appointment of the new king, the head of kingmakers, Asalu of Iree, Chief Taiwo Oguntobi said: “I am the head of the traditionalists in Iree town, I am not part of the process for the selection of the new king appointed by the government. The traditional rites for any king should commence from the deity that I am in charge of but nothing of such. They used cutlasses to break into the house of Odofin(seclusion) today. The family of Odofin was opposed to that.

“We, the representatives of the community who ought to be there are not present for any rite for the newly appointed king. If they want to make anybody king in Iree, Asanlu, Odofin, and Olu-Ode must be present. The Oogboni, Olosun group must be represented, including the six Iwarafara. But with this new king, nothing of such, none of these people were present.

“The authentic king for Iree town is Oba Ademola Ponle, we all supported him. We have performed all rites for him any other person aside from him is fake. The rite that authenticates king has been given to Oba Ponle, and another one can’t be reproduced unless he dies.”

Meanwhile, Oba Oyelakin speaking with newsmen in Iree, said he had performed all necessary traditional rites for his enthronement as monarch.

He said: “After the government appointed me, I entered the town yesterday, I came with many people into the town, I went around the town to register my presence. I informed the kingmakers. We started the rite at Asalu deity where all traditional chiefs were present including the Iwaramefa. I slept at one of the places of the rite with the chiefs from 10 pm to 10 am.

“The rites were witnessed by sons and daughters of the Iree community. The president of the Iree Progressive Union was also present. The rite was led by the Odofin of the town. I visited the Odofin house, but I did not enter, I just step my feet at the entrance three times. There was no crisis in town at all, the residents were happy about my appointment. The gunshots are just part of our tradition. I have plans to bring investors into the town.”

However, when Oba Ponle was contacted, he said, “I am the authentic king of Iree, I have all the instruments of office with me.”